Upland council approves labor deals and executive pay increases as officials warn of $11M shortfall

The Upland City Council voted unanimously on May 26 to adopt four labor agreements and related amendments affecting police bargaining units, non‑represented confidential employees and executive staff.

The agreements include a one‑year memorandum of understanding with the Upland Police Officers Association covering July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 with a 4% cost‑of‑living adjustment effective the pay period beginning June 21, 2026; corresponding salary schedule changes for police management classifications; and changes to administrative policies such as the donning-and‑doffing rule for officers. Staff also recommended a 3% COLA for most executives and non‑represented confidential employees, a 4% COLA for the police chief and an increase in cafeteria plan allowances to $2,000 effective Jan. 1, 2027 (with an interim $100 cafeteria contribution increase noted earlier in the meeting).

Why it matters: Councilmember Breitling emphasized the fiscal context before the vote, warning that “the city is projected to face more than an $11 million deficit driven largely by a significant and unexpected 12.7% decline in sales tax revenues,” and urged caution about relying on one‑time funds or reserves to sustain ongoing operating costs. The warning framed council discussion about balancing fair compensation with long‑term fiscal sustainability.

What staff said: Deputy Director of HR and Risk Management Cecilia Todd presented the negotiated terms and explained how the changes preserve internal salary relationships while supporting recruitment and retention. Assistant City Manager Stephen Parker said the agreements were consistent with direction from the council and had been ratified by union membership where applicable.

Council action and next steps: Councilmember Garcia moved and Councilmember Zuniga seconded approval of the grouped items; the council carried the motion unanimously. Staff will implement the contract amendments, update salary schedules and report back as required by the municipal process. The city attorney advised the council orally about required open‑meeting disclosures for executive compensation prior to the final action.

Details not specified: The agreements were summarized at the meeting; full contract texts and associated fiscal analyses were referenced in the staff report but exact line‑item budget impacts beyond the salary and cafeteria plan adjustments were not read into the record at the meeting.